Hi Wendy,
I don't know the answer to what you just asked, well I mean because I came here after I knew that I had AS damage.
In the very beginning, I was diagnosed with JRA(JIA) but I had the hla_b27 gene so I blossomed into AS pretty early on. The gene wasn't known to me until a few years ago though.
I can say that I honestly feel I have at least a small amount of active RA though, because AS didn't target my spine or SI's, and I feel I have a mild cause of palindromic rheumatism because I have no damage in my feet or knees, where my arthritis struck first and hard. I also still rate high in rheumatoid factor.
No I didn't know that big 'palindromic' word already... I had to look that up
But while I was at Wikipedia, I saw an interesting note about RA and arthritis in general...
No single test can confirm a diagnosis. A doctor may make a diagnosis based on medical history and signs and symptoms. Palindromic rheumatism must be distinguished from acute gouty arthritis and an atypical, acute onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Without specific tests (such as analysis of joint fluid), it may be difficult to distinguish palindromic rheumatism from other episodic joint problems. It is important to note that a person may experience more than one autoimmune disorder at the same time. Laboratory findings are usually normal. Blood tests may show an elevation of the ESR and CRP, but are otherwise unremarkable. Rheumatoid factor may be present especially in the group that is likely to develop Rheumatoid athritis.
So it's saying I can't assume RA even with a past history of symptoms... but that last sentence sure is a hard one to swallow. Gulp!
Anyways, I'm glad this new RA forum is here now. I know that a few people here know they have RA, and that a bunch more people have had that thought cross their mind once or twice. I'm just wondering what KA has in store for the RA forum now.
Kickraas! A new name change lol.
I think the new RA members will feel welcome here.
